Coulsons Creek Road in the Upper Hunter is open to traffic for the first time in almost five years.
A $48.26 million project to repair and upgrade the road has now been completed, delivering improved road safety and resilience for locals, visitors and freight operators.
The Albanese Labor Government provided $38.6 million and the Minns Labor Government $9.66 million for the repairs to be carried out on this vital regional route.
Despite earlier attempts to repair damage caused by severe weather, the road was closed to all traffic in January 2021 after geotechnical inspections detected serious cracking extending beyond the road's centre line.
This prompted Upper Hunter Shire Council to involve Transport for NSW, Infrastructure NSW and Public Works Advisory in a new design for the road, which included soil nailing to stablilise the slopes supporting the road.
This will ensure Coulsons Creek Road can better withstand future severe weather events.
The upgrade features improved drainage, protection against rock falls, new safety barriers, signage and line markings.
This project began in March 2024, with Daracon Group appointed to carry out the work.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:
"Like others, I was shocked to see the significant damage that had been done to Coulsons Creek Road. This re-opening has only happened because the State and Federal Labor Governments stepped in to both fund and properly repair this important road for the local community.
"The re-opening of this route is a massive milestone for the Upper Hunter and is especially important for the region's primary producers, connecting Merriwa and Willow Tree.
"It will cut travel times for all road users and improve safety by reducing traffic volumes on the alternate routes drivers used while Coulsons Creek Road was closed."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:
"The Upper Hunter has lived with this closure for years - longer trips, delays getting to work and tougher days for local farmers and freight. Reopening this road means getting people moving again and giving the community back a bit of time and certainty.
"We've taken the time to get this right so the Upper Hunter has a road that can stand up to tough conditions and keep serving the community well into the future.
"As the Hunter grows, we're making sure the services the community relies on grows with it and this opening after far too long is another step in that direction."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"While it has taken some time to achieve, this is a great outcome for the Upper Hunter, and an even better example of governments working together to get the job done
"We've rebuilt Coulsons Creek Road to be stronger and more resilient for the long term.
"It's fantastic to see the road open to traffic, reestablishing a link between the New England and Golden highways."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:
"The people of the Upper Hunter have waited patiently for this project to be completed and that patience is finally being rewarded.
"The upgraded road will also deliver improved safety for motorists, with improved drainage, protection against rock falls, new barriers, signage and line-marking.
"This work will also ensure the road will be able to better cope with heavy rainfall in the years ahead."
Quotes attributable to NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:
"Strong, reliable roads are the backbone of regional communities, and reopening Coulsons Creek Road is a huge boost for connectivity across the Upper Hunter.
"This project means locals, farmers and freight operators can get where they need to go more easily, saving time and supporting the local economy.
"It's a great example of government working together to deliver infrastructure that genuinely improves day-to-day life for people in the region."
Quotes attributable to Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison:
"The reopening marks an important milestone for communities on both sides of the range.
"This road is incredibly important to our region. Reopening Coulsons Creek Road restores a key connection that people rely on for work, trade and daily travel, and it reflects the significant effort that has gone into rebuilding the road stronger and safer for the future."
